Surely You set them on slick ground;
This phrase highlights the precarious position of the wicked, who may appear stable and prosperous but are actually on unstable footing. The imagery of "slick ground" suggests a lack of firm foundation, reminiscent of the parable of the house built on sand (Matthew 7:26-27). In biblical times, slick or slippery ground would be a common hazard, especially in hilly or mountainous regions where rain could quickly turn paths treacherous. This metaphor underscores the temporary and uncertain nature of the prosperity of the wicked, contrasting with the firm foundation of those who trust in God (Psalm 40:2). Theologically, it reflects the principle that God is sovereign over the destinies of all people, and He allows the wicked to continue in their ways only for a time, ultimately leading to their downfall.

You cast them down into ruin.
This phrase speaks to the ultimate judgment and destruction that awaits the wicked. The act of being "cast down" implies a sudden and forceful action, indicating divine intervention. The term "ruin" suggests complete desolation and is often used in the context of divine judgment throughout the Old Testament (e.g., Isaiah 13:6, Ezekiel 7:25). Historically, this reflects the fate of many nations and individuals who opposed God's will, such as the fall of Babylon (Isaiah 47:11). Culturally, the concept of divine retribution was well understood in ancient Israel, where God's justice was seen as inevitable and righteous. This phrase also connects to the broader biblical theme of the Day of the Lord, a time when God will judge the earth and establish His kingdom (Zephaniah 1:15-18). In a typological sense, it foreshadows the ultimate defeat of evil through Jesus Christ, who will cast down all powers and authorities opposed to God's kingdom (1 Corinthians 15:24-25).

1. Asaph
The author of Psalm 73, Asaph was a prominent Levite singer and seer in David's court. He is known for his honest and heartfelt psalms that often explore the tension between the prosperity of the wicked and the suffering of the righteous.

2. The Wicked
In this context, the wicked are those who live in opposition to God's ways, often prospering in worldly terms but ultimately facing divine judgment.

3. God
The sovereign judge who sets the wicked on "slick ground," indicating His control over their ultimate fate.

4. Slick Ground
A metaphor for instability and impending downfall, representing the precarious position of those who reject God.

5. Ruin
The ultimate end of the wicked, a state of destruction and judgment as a consequence of their actions.The Illusion of Prosperity
The prosperity of the wicked is temporary and deceptive. While they may seem secure, their foundation is unstable.

God's Sovereignty in Judgment
God is in control and will ultimately bring justice. The wicked are not beyond His reach, and their downfall is certain.

The Importance of a Firm Foundation
Believers are called to build their lives on the solid ground of God's truth, avoiding the slick ground of worldly allurements.

Trust in God's Timing
We must trust in God's timing for justice, knowing that He sees the bigger picture and will act according to His perfect will.

Self-Examination
Reflect on areas in our own lives where we might be standing on "slick ground" and seek to align ourselves more closely with God's ways.1. What is the meaning of Psalm 73:18?

2. How does Psalm 73:18 illustrate the fate of the wicked?

3. What does "set them on slippery ground" mean in today's context?

4. How can Psalm 73:18 deepen our understanding of God's justice?

5. Which other scriptures emphasize the temporary success of the wicked?

6. How should Psalm 73:18 influence our response to worldly temptations?

7. How does Psalm 73:18 challenge the concept of divine justice?

8. What historical context influences the interpretation of Psalm 73:18?

9. How does Psalm 73:18 relate to the theme of the prosperity of the wicked?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Psalm 73?

11. Proverbs 24:16: How can the wicked be said to “fall” when many evil rulers throughout history prospered without clear downfall?

12. Psalm 73:3 says the wicked prosper, yet other passages (e.g., Psalm 1:3) promise prosperity for the righteous—how do we reconcile this contradiction?

13. In Job 20:6–7, how can Zophar’s claim that the wicked perish quickly align with historical records showing many oppressive rulers prospered for extended periods?

14. How do we reconcile Zophar’s rigid cause-and-effect theology in Job 20 with other biblical passages (like Psalm 73) that acknowledge the prosperity of the wicked without immediate judgment?Surely You

• Asaph’s word “Surely” signals absolute certainty. The psalmist has moved from doubting God’s justice (Psalm 73:13: “Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure…”) to recognizing God’s active governance.

• Scripture consistently affirms that God—not chance—directs human destinies (Proverbs 16:4; Romans 9:17-18).

• Psalm 73 opens with “Surely God is good to Israel” (v.1), and now the same adverb underscores His unfailing righteousness toward the wicked.

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set them on slick ground

• God Himself positions the arrogant on “slick ground,” an image of hidden instability. Outwardly they appear secure, but their footing is treacherous.

• Jeremiah 23:12 echoes this picture: “Their path will become slippery; they will be driven away into darkness and there they will fall.”

• Other passages show the fleeting stability of evil prosperity:

– Psalm 37:35-36: “I have seen a wicked, ruthless man… yet he passed away… though I looked, he could not be found.”

– Job 21:13-14 portrays the wicked living in comfort, yet disaster looms unseen.

• Application: apparent success apart from God is a veneer; beneath lies a slope no human can brace against.

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You cast them down

• The verbs shift from passive “set” to active “cast,” underscoring God’s personal involvement in judgment.

• Psalm 75:7: “It is God who judges; He brings one down, He exalts another.”

• Luke 1:52 cites the same principle: “He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has exalted the humble.”

• Note the suddenness: one moment the wicked stand proud; the next they are hurled down—an image of swift reversal.

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into ruin

• The end of the slide is not discomfort but “ruin”—total desolation.

• Psalm 73:19 continues, “How suddenly they are destroyed, completely swept away by terrors!” confirming that the fall is both abrupt and final.

• Psalm 1:6 contrasts destinies: “the way of the wicked will perish.”

• New-Testament light sharpens the warning: Matthew 7:13 speaks of the broad road “that leads to destruction,” and 2 Thessalonians 1:9 describes eternal ruin “away from the presence of the Lord.”

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summary

Psalm 73:18 teaches that God Himself plants the arrogant on a slick, deceptive path, then decisively hurls them into utter destruction. Their seeming security is an illusion; divine justice is certain, sudden, and complete. Believers can rest in the assurance that God’s moral universe is not spinning aimlessly—He actively upholds the righteous and overthrows the wicked in His perfect timing.

Verse 18. - Surely thou didst set them up in slippery places. The wicked have at no time any sure hold on their prosperity. They are a "set in slippery places" - places from which they may easily slip and fall. Thou castedst them down to destruction. The fall often comes, even in this life. The flourishing cities of the plain are destroyed by fire from heaven; Pharaoh's land is ruined by the plagues, and his host destroyed in the Red Sea; Sennacherib's army perishes in a night; Jezebel is devoured by dogs; Athaliah is slain with the sword; Antiochus Epiphanes perishes in a distant expedition; Herod Agrippa is eaton of worms; persecutors, like Nero, Galerius, Julian, come to untimely ends. A signal retribution visits the wicked in hundreds and thousands of instances. When it does not, the question remains - Is death the end? This point is not formally brought forward, but it underlies the whole argument; and, unless retribution after death be regarded as certain, a single exception to the general rule of retribution in this life would upset the solution which the psalmist finds satisfactory.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Surely
אַ֣ךְ (’aḵ)
Adverb
Strong's 389: A particle of affirmation, surely

You set them
תָּשִׁ֣ית (tā·šîṯ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 7896: To put, set

on slick ground;
בַּ֭חֲלָקוֹת (ba·ḥă·lā·qō·wṯ)
Preposition-b, Article | Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 2513: Smoothness, flattery, an allotment

You cast them down
הִ֝פַּלְתָּ֗ם (hip·pal·tām)
Verb - Hifil - Perfect - second person masculine singular | third person masculine plural
Strong's 5307: To fall, lie

into ruin.
לְמַשּׁוּאֽוֹת׃ (lə·maš·šū·’ō·wṯ)
Preposition-l | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 4876: Perhaps deceptions


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OT Poetry: Psalm 73:18 Surely you set them in slippery places (Psalm Ps Psa.)